Terraced combination pool and reservoir



Aug; 27, 1946. l, -s. E. TEST 2,406,413

TERRCED COMBINATION POOL AND RESERVOIR v Filed Nov. 29, 1941 2 'Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 27, 1946. s. E. TEST I TERRACED COMBINATION POOL AND RESERVOIR Filed Nv. 29. 1941 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Aug. 27, 1946.

TERRACE!) COlWBINATION POOL AND RESERVOIR Skiles E. Test, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application November 29, 1941, Serial No. 421,005

9 Claims.

This invention relates to a swimming pool and like structure.

One chief object of this invention is to provide va pool structure of thewater cycling type with all of its attendant advantages.

Another chief object of this invention is to provide a pool structure of the conservation type as will vappear more fully hereinafter.

A further chief object of this invention is to provide a pool structure capable of having a plurality of water levels therein and associated .ledges or terraces as hereinafter described.

A still further chief object of this invention is to provide a pool structure which is naturally self-cleaning, regardless of wind direction and in which the water is solar heated.

Another chief object of this invention is to provide a pool structure wherein chemical addition to the residual water can be made and other than in the pool proper.

A still further chief object of this invention is to provide a beach representation as a unitary part of the pool structure.

The chief feature of the invention consists in if? Al structure embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal central sectional view through the same and is taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1 and in the direction ofthe arrows.

Fig.` 3 is a broken transverse sectional view through the structure and is takenvon line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a portion of the water cycling, filtering and draining system, the filter being shown in transverse vertical section.

supply conduits and the pool bottom drain lines.

In Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the basic features of theinvention are illustrated. Insaid iigures, I0 indicates the longvsloping bottom ofthe pool proper and Illa a shorter. oppositely. inclined extension thereof both draining to the junction line lIJb and herein centrally thereof is themain drain II of the pool proper. v'Iworopposite side walls I 2 and two end walls I3 and I4 complete the tank for loW level purposes. Each of the sides lio is provided with a terrace I5 about eighteen inches wide.

Thereabove and at an elevation of above twelve inches is a peripheral terrace I6'. Thereabove and at a similar distance is a similar terrace I1. Thereabove and at a similar distance is another terrace. The latter terrace is indicated generally vby numeral I8 and same is preferably extended at one side as at I9 and all may be defined by a side wall 20, if desired.

The portion I9 constitutes a platform or beach equivalent and may receive beach chairs, tables, umbrellas and the like. For the latter purpose, tapered sockets |l of draining character may be provided and these have different inclinations relative to the plane of beach I!) so the beach umbrellas can be mounted at different angles.

Preferably these sockets I9a extend through the portion I9 so that water collecting therein will drain therefrom. This prevents freezing of water and the possibility of cracking the concrete of which material .the pool structure is constructed.

Each terrace includes near its pool edge "a spaced series of drain openings 2| which may be in the form ofA pipes set in the concrete in leak; proof arrangement and which project some distance below the bottom orunder surface 'of that terrace. Plugs of suitable character are provided for all drains, although normally the drains 2| of terrace I8 will be open at all times. Whenever high water level or deep pool use is desired, all

E lower terrace drains 2| are closed. When shallow pool or lowlevel use is desired, all terrace drains 2| are open. It is noted that, as illustrated herein, side ledges or terraces I5 contain no drains.

The wall 20 is extended downwardly and in most places to the level of the pool bottom or therebeneath. The space between this wall 20 and-the pool proper is bridged by a floor 22 which slopes from end I4 toward end I3, as shown in Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the ypool Fiss. 2 and 3. The terrace or beach I9 is supported by columns 23 and beam formations 24,`see right-hand portion of Fig. 3.

The resulting arrangement is a covered reservoir or storage chamber into which all of drains 2 I, if not plugged. drain the overflow, dirty Water and the like. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, each terrace slightly pitches or inclines from opposite sides toward the drain openings therein. 'I he capacity of this reservoir preferably is equal to or greater than that of the pool when full. f

Whenever the pool is filled, Wind blowing from any direction will blow the sun warmed surface nected to a large volume low head pump 28.

These laterals are valve controlled so that makei up water may be supplied from any side of the pool. direction, the supply can be introduced from the i side opposite where drainage is being effected.

`This not only accelerates drainage ybut empha- I-Ience, if the wind be blowing from one sizes such wave action incident to the wind effect i producing a highly 'pleasant appearance.

The resulting structure, floor 22, wall 2Q, cover i |8--l9 and poo1 walls,` forms a reservoir about Vthe pool and of a capacity at least equal to that of the pool when full. The drain plugs at the several terrace levels may be opened or closed to provide different pool levels. Thus, with Vside 1 ledges I5, a low level pool use can be obtained.

YSince the pool is about seventy feet long, the high or shallow end will be only about eighteen inches deep, thus permitting young children to use that y end with safety. When the pool is full the shallow end is about three and one-half feet deep.

3 The terracing permits the omission of customary-guard lines, life lines; ladders, etc. Inexperienced swimmers have readily available for support at least one terrace only a foot under water in all instances.

No matter what pool level is desired, any or all supply outlets 25 may discharge water to the pooh Low level pool operation is especially convenient for shallow pool use by children.

' The reservoir permits constant cycling of the i water from the pool by way of the drains to the reservoir and from the reservoir to the outlets 25. 3 The warm surface water can thus be displaced 'by' using colder water andas the same is displaced, it discharges to the reservoir for clarification and sterilization. Thisrcontinuous circulation of water and' exposure of new water films to the sunlight helps to keep the water properly disinfected without requiring the addition of largequantities of disinfectant, such as chlorine,

which is especially irritant cous membranes. y

It has been ascertained by actual test for prito the eyes and muvate' family use (and that of guests) of the pool, no disinfectant, other than copper sulphate for fungus growth destruction, has been required during a Vsummer season and only evaporation make-up addition water is required.

The inlet 28a to the pump 28 is at the lowest part of reservoir. The latter preferably includes `a sand filter arrangement 29.

Since the water always present in the reservoir is in excess of that required to change from low to high level `it is apparent that the reservoir serves as a catch Y and settling basin. Since the floor is inclined as shown,'1t can be readily cleaned mechanically or by hose whenever desired. For such purpose,

sealed access doors 30 may be provided in wall 20. Such 'cleaning does not interfere with pool' use.

`"I'he main drain H has two branches 3l and 32'each controlled by a valve. Branch 3| is the main waste line. When opened, all the pool water will waste to a sewer, ravine, etc. Branch 32 is` arranged to discharge to the reservoir with or Without the assistance of a pump and the piping may be provided and suitably valve controlled so that the pump 28 would discharge the low level pool contents to the reservoir.

When substantially all the pool contents are transferred to the reservoir, the poo1 can be Ytion of the pool water incident to pool cleaning.

Another instance of value is where there is available only a very small but steady water supply. In such instances, the new water may be accumulated in the reservoir against contingent water loss incident to evaporation, pool use and the like.

The reservoir is of value in that chemicals for water purification can be added to the water in the reservoir and this chemically treated water supplied to the pool without danger of poo1 discoloration. Copper sulphate, alum and like chemicals may be added to the water for treatment thereof.

From the foregoing, it is quite obvious that the terrace formation eliminates the requirement for ladders, which if of iron, would cause rust discoloration of the pool. The terrace formation, also, when full or high level tank use is desired gives the pool the appearance of a poo1 greatly larger than the same actually is yet the additional water content required for such visual effect is negligible. The terracing, also, in eect, is a continuous ladder about the pool, all without affecting use of the pool or detracting from its aesthetic appearance, such terracing, in fact increasing both. Such terracing, also for pool level change facilitates same, because water can be rapidly drained from the pool for level lowering and rapidly added for level raising.

The type of construction employed is preferably reenforced concrete. It is monolithic in construction relative to the reservoir. It may, if dec sired, be formed in two piece-s, the deep end and the shallow end, and these ends joined by expansion joints of leakproof character such as a copper sheet V-shaped in cross-section and seated in mastic and with the sheet ends seated in adjacent concrete sections.

lSuch construction provi-des a muchV stronger structure than is customary for pools and'same is more resistant to cracking due to weight, freezing, thawing or the like. Also, all operative controls except the drains are localized at the deep end or adjacent thereto. All piping and plumbing is concealed by being included within the reservoir and is, of course, protected thereby. Reference is had to Figs. 4 and 5 wherein there is diagrammatically illustrated the piping arrangement which may be employed. In said figure, the previous numerals are utilized to designate the same parts.Y Main drain Il has branch 3| controlled by waste valve 3la. branch drain line y32 is controlled by valve 32a` and connects -to pump intake 28a- 1 Eachlateral 26 .connected to header 21 is controlled by a valve 26a. VThe header v2l connects to pump 28 by line 40`and a valve 4| is included The other therein vadjacent'the. header A branch, 412; vleads to the reservoir and is controlled-byfvalve 43'.' A line 44 connects to the pump intakeL 28a andgto the base 'ofqiilterI 29and is controlled byvalve 45,., A branch; 46 is .controlled by Valve: 4.1.1 V A bypass 48 connectsglines 44 and '40, and includes valve 49 therein'. A ,valveU-i inlinef44y is also provided. l

Normal operation is with valves 45and 4| open andwith valves 41, 49, 43, 31a and 32a closed. This insures filtered water circulation for the .pool overflows discharge to the reservoir, and filter. 'I'he selected valves 26a. are also open. Pump 28 then draws filtered water through lines 46,-44 and 28a and supplies 'same4 by lines40-42 to laterals 26 and thence to the pool at 25.. When all water is to be wasted and by gravity flow, valves 41 and lar'are opened. When it is're-` quired to quickly empty .the pool for emergency purposes `and the wateris'not to be wasted, valve 43 is opened as well as valve 32d and valves 49, 45,-41and 4| are closed.. l The. pump 28 then draws pool water from drain I'I and discharges saidiwater into the reservoir by line 42.

In normal pool use, the lter requires washing at infrequent intervals. To accomplish same, the pump 28 draws water by way of line 32 and drain Il from the pool and discharges through bypass 48 to the low end-.of filter 29. This reverse flow of water Washes the filter andthe debris" collects adjacent partition 22a and on the reservoir floor from which it may later be removed. In this arrangement, valves 3la, 4I, 43, 41 and 50 are closed and valves 45, 49 and 32a are opened.

All of the aforesaid valves, header, pumps, motor M, etc., are included in a pump house that may be included in the combination reservoir and pool, or in a house that is adjacent thereto or abuts the same as desired. The first mentioned is preferred.

Illumination for the reservoir may be provided and carried by the ceiling thereof (the underface of portions I8 and I9). Same is not illustrated herein.

In localities where prolonged freezing Weather is not encountered, the water can be stored in the reservoir and held therein for use as desired. Also, for short freezes, the pool level can be lowered and ice permitted to form in the pool for skating purposes, all without 'danger of pool failure, because while the ice may form to a sufficient depth in the surface the remainder in the pool will not freeze solid.

Other advantages and features mentioned herein, While not particularly stressed, are comprehended, fully within this disclosure.

While the embodiment selected for illustration has been fully illustrated and described in great detail, same is to be considered by way of example only, since many modifications thereof, including those mentioned herein will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art.

The invention claimed is:

1. A `combination pool and reservoir structure including an elongated pool, a reservoir in juxtaposition thereto, the major portion of the reservoir lying to the outside of the pool, a common wall between the reservoir and the pool, a cover for the reservoir, said cover comprising a lateral continuation of the adjacent upper edge of the pool common sidewall, the reservoir peripherally enveloping the pool, the pool defining peripheral wall arrangement forming the inner wall of the reservoir, the pool proper including successively 6 superposed terracing arrangements' extending" outwardly and upwardly from the topof the (pool walls for pool .enlargement only "at the upperY i superposed terracing arrangements extending outwardly and upwardly fromthe top of the pool walls for pool enlargement onlyr at the upper pei riphery of the pool proper, theuppermost 'terracing ,arrangement forming said cover'for'the reservoir." 1 f 3. A'combination pool andreservoirstructure including an elongated pool, a rreservoir iny juxta'# position thereto, the major portion of the reservoir lying tothe outside' of the pool, a common wall between the reservoir and the pool, a cover for the reservoir, said cover comprising a lateral continuation of the adjacent upper edge of the pool common sdewall,.'the reservoir peripherally enveloping the pool, the pool defining peripheral wall arrangement forming the inner' wall of .the reservoir, .the pool proper including successively superposed terracing arrangements extending outwardly and upwardly from the top of the pool walls for pool enlargement only at the upper periphery of the pool proper, and drain arrangements for certain of the terracing arrangements and discharging directly to the reservoir.

4. A combination pool and reservoir inclu-ding a pool of elongated character andhaving a bottom inclined from one end toward the other, a drain at the low end of the aforesaid bottom, a closed reservoir about the pool and having a common wall with said pool and of a capacity at least equal to pool capacity, said reservoir having a bottom inclined in the same direction as the pool bottom, drain connections from the upper level of said pool to said reservoir, and means for supplying reservoir fluid from the low `end thereof to the pool, the said means and drain connections with said reservoir forming a closed` cycle communication for the pool.

5. A combination pool and reservoir including a pool of elongated character and having a bottom inclined from one end toward the other, a drain at the low end of the aforesaid bottom, a closed reservoir about the pool and having a common wall with said pool and of a capacity at least equal to pool capacity, said reservoir having a bottom inclined in the same direction as the pool bottom, drain communications from the upper level of said pool to said reservoir, and means for supplying reservoir fluid from the low end of the reservoir to the pool, and about the periphery thereof at the upper level, the said means and drain connections with said reservoir forming a closed cycle communication for the pool.

6, A combination pool and reservoir including a pool of elongated character (and having a bottom inclined from one end toward the other, a drain at the low end of the aforesaid bottom, a closed reservoir about the pool and having a common wall with said pool and of a capacity at least equal to pool capacity, said reservoir 7 v having' a bottom inclined in the same direction as the vpool bottom, drain connections 'from the upper 4levelof Vsaid poolV tosaid reservoir, and means for supplying reservoirY uid from 'the low end thereof to the pool,` the said' means and drain connections with said reservoir Vforming a closed cycle, communication for the pool, the pool being of successively superposed terraced type near its uppermost levels, the uppermost terrace being extended to form a cover for the reservoir.

7. A combination pool and reservoir including a pool of elongated character. and having a bote tom inclined from one end Atoward the other, a drain at the low end of the aforesaid bottom, a reservoir about the pool and arranged for closed cycle communication therewith and having a common Wall with said Ipool, said reservoir having a bottom inclined in the same direction as the pool bottom, drain connections from theupper level of said pool to said reservoir, and means for supplying reservoir fluid from the loW end of the reservoir to thepool', theyrpool `being of successively superposed terraced type near its uppermost portions, the uppermost terrace beine,r extended to form a cover for the reservoir, the water supply and drain connections being included in a plurality of said terracing arrangements, each terrace including .a spaced series of water supplies and drains, the drains and Water 'supplies being alternated relative rto each other in the same terrace.

8. A pool foreswimming and like purposes in` Y 8 cludingv an elongated pool having' side land er1-d walls and a bottom,'the'bottom draining by grav-V ity, successively superposed terraces extending upwardly and outwardly near the top ofrat leastv a plurality of said Walls for enlargement of the said reservoir having a side Wall common totheV pool,v va floor and a cover, an openlter Within the reservoir and resting uponthe floor of the reservoir, a sump to VVWhich the lter drains',v the reservoir draining to and through the filter' to the sump,V the' reservoir and pool having subf stantially equal volumetric capacities, overijlow drains at thev upper portion of the pool and having free discharge to the upper portion of the reservoir, and water circulating means connected for pumping Water from said sump and to the pool and from the pool to said reservoir, the res' ervoir cover comprising a pool terraceand covering the open filter.

' SKILES E. TEST. 

